Posts Tagged ‘whiplash’
Introduction
Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we wake up in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is important to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Of course, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
Anatomy
In order to understand neck pain, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is directed by neck vertebrae that are composed of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of tough cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain regarding pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that go out from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed producing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are produced when the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or agitated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head. Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a primary consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front vehicle is forcibly wrenched back, and then forward, causing harm to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a strong force can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. Usually in most cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper treatment is vital in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.